Rotatable driver interface for trailer backup assist

ABSTRACT

A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application which has Ser. No. 61/477,136, which was filed Apr. 19, 2011, which is entitled “Intuitive Driver Interface for Trailer Backup Assist”, and which has a common applicant herewith and is being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to steering assist technologies in vehicles and, more particularly, to trailer backup assist system having a rotatable driver interface for controlling a radius of curvature for a trailer path.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that backing up a vehicle with a trailer attached is a difficult task for many drivers. This is particularly true for drivers that are untrained at backing with trailers such as, for example, those that drive with an attached trailer on an infrequent basis (e.g., have rented a trailer, use a personal trailer on an infrequent basis, etc). One reason for such difficulty is that backing a vehicle with an attached trailer requires counter-steering that is opposite to normal steering when backing the vehicle without a trailer attached and/or requires braking to stabilize the vehicle-trailer combination before a jack-knife condition occurs. Another such reason for such difficulty is that small errors in steering while backing a vehicle with an attached trailer are amplified thereby causing the trailer to depart from a desired path.

To assist the driver in steering a vehicle with trailer attached, a trailer backup assist system needs to know the driver's intention. One common assumption with known trailer backup assist systems is that a driver of a vehicle with an attached trailer wants to back up straight and the system either implicitly or explicitly assumes a zero curvature path for the vehicle-trailer combination. Unfortunately most of real-world use cases of backing a trailer involve a curved path and, thus, assuming a path of zero curvature would significantly limit usefulness of the system. Some known systems assume that a path is known from a map or path planner, which can result in such systems having a fairly complex human machine interface (HMI) and vehicle/trailer position determination.

Therefore, an approach for backing a trailer that provides a simple human machine interface and that overcomes other shortcomings of known trailer backup assist systems would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to trailer backup assist systems that control curvature of a path of a trailer (i.e., a trajectory of the trailer) attached to a vehicle through control of a power assisted steering system (e.g., electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system) of the vehicle. As such, during operation of the trailer backup assist system, a driver of the vehicle is unable to make steering inputs via the steering wheel of the vehicle because the trailer backup assist system is in control of the power assisted steering system and the power assisted steering system is typically directly coupled to the steering wheel. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide a rotatable control element (e.g., a rotary knob) for controlling a curvature of the path of the trailer while it is being backed up. Rotation of the rotatable control element counter-clockwise (e.g., to the left relative to a seated position of the driver of the vehicle) commands the trailer to be steered to the left, rotation of the rotatable control element clockwise (e.g., to the right relative to a seated position of the driver of the vehicle) commands the trailer to be steered to the right, and the rotatable control element being positioned in an at-rest position causes the trailer to be backed along a straight line from the current trailer heading. In this manner, driver inputs for controlling the path of the trailer while the trailer is being backed up are made entirely through the rotatable control element as opposed to being made at the steering wheel of the vehicle. Accordingly, embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide a user-friendly and simple solution to accommodating input of trailer steering information for arbitrary paths by the driver during backing of the vehicle when the vehicle is equipped with such a trailer backup assist system.

In one embodiment of the inventive subject matter, a method comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for receiving trailer angle information from a trailer angle detection apparatus of a vehicle having a trailer attached thereto. The trailer angle information is generated as a function of an angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer. An operation is performed for receiving trailer steering information from a trailer backup steering input apparatus of the vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus includes a rotational control input device that is biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The trailer steering information is derived from at least one of an amount of rotation of the rotational control input device with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotational control input device, and a direction of movement of the rotational control input device with respect to the at-rest position. An operation is performed for controlling a power steering system of the vehicle using vehicle steering information as the trailer is being backed by the vehicle. The vehicle steering information is generated as a function of the trailer angle information and the trailer steering information.

In another embodiment of the inventive subject matter, a trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a knob and a knob movement sensing device. The knob is biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The knob movement sensing device is coupled to the knob for sensing movement of the knob. The knob movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the knob with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the knob, and/or a direction of movement of the knob with respect to the at-rest position.

In another embodiment of the inventive subject matter, a vehicle comprises a trailer angle detection apparatus, a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and a power-steering assist system. The trailer angle detection apparatus is configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer attached to the vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus includes a knob and a knob movement sensing device coupled to the knob for sensing movement of the knob. The knob is biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The knob movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotational control input device with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotational control input device, and/or a direction of movement of the rotational control input device with respect to the at-rest position. The power-steering assist system is coupled to a trailer angle detection apparatus and the trailer backup steering input apparatus. The power-steering assist system includes a control module structure configured for generating power steering system control information as a function of the trailer angle detection apparatus signal and the backup steering input apparatus signal.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the inventive subject matter will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle configured for performing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the trailer backup steering input apparatus discussed in reference to FIG. 1:

FIG. 3 shows an example of a trailer backup sequence implemented using the trailer backup steering input apparatus discussed in reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a method for implementing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a vehicle 100 configured for performing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with the inventive subject matter is shown. A trailer backup assist system 105 of the vehicle 100 controls the curvature of path of travel of the trailer 110 that is attached to the vehicle 100. Such control is accomplished through interaction of a power assisted steering system 115 of the vehicle 100 and the trailer backup assist system 105. During operation of the trailer backup assist system 105 while the vehicle 100 is being reversed, a driver of the vehicle 100 is limited in the manner in which he/she can make steering inputs via a steering wheel of the vehicle 100 because the trailer backup assist system 105 is in control of the power assisted steering system 115 and the power assisted steering system 115 is directly coupled to the steering wheel (i.e., the steering wheel of the vehicle 100 moves in concert with steered wheels of the vehicle 100). As is discussed below in greater detail, a human machine interface (HMI) of the backup assist system 105 is used for commanding changes in curvature of a path of the trailer 110 such as a knob, thereby decoupling such commands from being made at the steering wheel of the vehicle 100.

The trailer backup assist system 105 includes a trailer backup assist control module 120, a trailer backup steering input apparatus 125, and a hitch angle detecting apparatus 130. The trailer backup assist control module 120 is connected to the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 and the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130 for allowing communication of information therebetween. It is disclosed herein that the trailer backup steering input apparatus can be coupled to the trailer backup assist control module 120 in a wired or wireless manner. The trailer backup assist system control module 120 is attached to a power-steering assist control module 135 of the power-steering assist system 115 for allowing information to be communicated therebetween. A steering angle detecting apparatus 140 of the power-steering assist system 115 is connected to the power-steering assist control module 135 for providing information thereto. The trailer backup assist system is also attached to a brake system control module 145 and a powertrain control module 150 for allowing communication of information therebetween. Jointly, the trailer backup assist system 105, the power-steering assist system 115, the brake system control module 145, the powertrain control module 150 define a trailer backup assist architecture configured in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

The trailer backup assist control module 120 is configured for implementing logic (i.e., instructions) for receiving information from the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125, the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130, the power-steering assist control module 135, the brake system control module 145, and the powertrain control module 150. The trailer backup assist control module 120 (e.g., a trailer curvature algorithm thereof) generates vehicle steering information as a function of all or a portion of the information received from the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125, the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130, the power-steering assist control module 135, the brake system control module 145, and the powertrain control module 150. Thereafter, the vehicle steering information is provided to the power-steering assist control module 135 for affecting steering of the vehicle 100 by the power-steering assist system 115 to achieve a commanded path of travel for the trailer 110.

The trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 provides the trailer backup assist control module 120 with information defining the commanded path of travel of the trailer 110 to the trailer backup assist control module 120 (i.e., trailer steering information). The trailer steering information can include information relating to a commanded change in the path of travel (e.g., a change in radius of path curvature) and information relating to an indication that the trailer is to travel along a path defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer (i.e., along a substantially straight path of travel). As will be discussed below in detail, the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 preferably includes a rotational control input device for allowing a driver of the vehicle 100 to interface with the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 to command desired trailer steering actions (e.g., commanding a desired change in radius of the path of travel of the trailer and/or commanding that the trailer travel along a substantially straight path of travel as defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer). In a preferred embodiment, the rotational control input device is a knob rotatable about a rotational axis extending through a top surface/face of the knob. In other embodiments, the rotational control input device is a knob rotatable about a rotational axis extending substantially parallel to a top surface/face of the knob.

Some vehicles (e.g., those with active front steer) have a power-steering assist system configuration that allows a steering wheel to be decoupled from movement of the steered wheels of such a vehicle. Accordingly, the steering wheel can be rotated independent of the manner in which the power-steering assist system of the vehicle controls the steered wheels (e.g., as commanded by vehicle steering information provided by to a power-steering assist system control module from a trailer backup assist system control module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter). As such, in these types of vehicles where the steering wheel can be selectively decoupled from the steered wheels to allow independent operation thereof, trailer steering information of a trailer backup assist system configured in accordance with the inventive subject matter can be provided through rotation of the steering wheel. Accordingly, it is disclosed herein that in certain embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the steering wheel is an embodiment of a rotational control input device in the context of the inventive subject matter. In such embodiments, the steering wheel would be biased (e.g., by an apparatus that is selectively engagable/activatable) to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion.

The hitch angle detecting apparatus 130, which operates in conjunction with a hitch angle detection component 155 of the trailer 110, provides the trailer backup assist control module 120 with information relating to an angle between the vehicle 100 and the trailer 110 (i.e., hitch angle information). In a preferred embodiment, the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130 is a camera-based apparatus such as, for example, an existing rear view camera of the vehicle 100 that images (i.e., visually monitors) a target (i.e., the hitch angle detection component 155) attached the trailer 110 as the trailer 110 is being backed by the vehicle 100. Preferably, but not necessarily, the hitch angle detection component 155 is a dedicated component (e.g., an item attached to/integral with a surface of the trailer 110 for the express purpose of being recognized by the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130. Alternatively, the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130 can be a device that is physically mounted on a hitch component of the vehicle 100 and/or a mating hitch component of the trailer 110 for determining an angle between centerline longitudinal axes of the vehicle 100 and the trailer 110.

The power-steering assist control module 135 provides the trailer backup assist control module 120 with information relating to a rotational position (e.g., angle) of the steering wheel angle and/or a rotational position (e.g., turning angle(s)) of steered wheels of the vehicle 100. In certain embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the trailer backup assist control module 120 can be an integrated component of the power steering assist system 115. For example, the power-steering assist control module 135 can include a trailer backup assist algorithm for generating vehicle steering information as a function of all or a portion of information received from the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125, the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130, the power-steering assist control module 135, the brake system control module 145, and the powertrain control module 150.

The brake system control module 145 provides the trailer backup assist control module 120 with information relating to vehicle speed. Such vehicle speed information can be determined from individual wheel speeds as monitored by the brake system control module 145. In some instances, individual wheel speeds can also be used to determine a vehicle yaw rate and such yaw rate can be provided to the trailer backup assist control module 120 for use in determining the vehicle steering information. In certain embodiments, the trailer backup assist control module 120 can provide vehicle braking information to the brake system control module 145 for allowing the trailer backup assist control module 120 to control braking of the vehicle 100 during backing of the trailer 110. For example, using the trailer backup assist control module 120 to regulate speed of the vehicle 100 during backing of the trailer 110 can reduce the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions. Examples of unacceptable trailer backup conditions include, but are not limited to, a vehicle overspeed condition, a trailer jack-knife condition as defined by an angular displacement limit relative to the vehicle 100 and the trailer 110, and the like. It is disclosed herein that the backup assist control module 120 can issue a signal corresponding to a notification (e.g., a warning) of an actual, impending, and/or anticipated unacceptable trailer backup condition.

The powertrain control module 150 interacts with the trailer backup assist control module 120 for regulating speed and acceleration of the vehicle 100 during backing of the trailer 110. As mentioned above, regulation of the speed of the vehicle 100 is necessary to limit the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions such as, for example, jack-knifing. Similar to high-speed considerations as they relate to unacceptable trailer backup conditions, high acceleration can also lead to such unacceptable trailer backup conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 discussed in reference to FIG. 1 is shown. A rotatable control element in the form of a knob 170 is coupled to a movement sensing device 175. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable control knob 170 and movement sensing device 175 may be integrated into the vehicle instrument panel, as part of a gear shift indicator panel as shown. The knob 170 is biased (e.g., by a spring return) to an at-rest position P(AR) between opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R), R(L). A first one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R) is substantially equal to a second one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(L), R(R). To provide a tactile indication of an amount of rotation of the knob 170, a force that biases the knob 170 toward the at-rest position P(AR) can increase (e.g., non-linearly) as a function of the amount of rotation of the knob 170 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). Additionally, the knob 170 can be configured with position indicating detents such that the driver can positively feel the at-rest position P(AR) and feel the ends of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(L), R(R) approaching (e.g., soft end stops).

The movement sensing device 175 is configured for sensing movement of the knob 170 and outputting a corresponding signal (i.e., movement sensing device signal) to the trailer assist backup input apparatus 125 shown in FIG. 1. The movement sensing device signal is generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the knob 170 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR), a rate movement of the knob 170, and/or a direction of movement of the knob 170 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). As will be discussed below in greater detail, the at-rest position P(AR) of the knob 170 corresponds to a movement sensing device signal indicating that the vehicle 100 should be steered such that the trailer 110 is backed along a substantially straight path as defined by a centerline longitudinal axis of the trailer 110 when the knob 170 was returned to the at-rest position P(AR) and a maximum clockwise and anti-clockwise position of the knob 170 (i.e., limits of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R), R(L)) each correspond to a respective movement sensing device signal indicating a tightest radius of curvature (i.e., most acute trajectory) of a path of travel of the trailer 110 that is possible without the corresponding vehicle steering information causing a jack-knife condition. In this regard, the at-rest position P(AR) is a zero curvature commanding position with respect to the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R), R(L). It is disclosed herein that a ratio of a commanded curvature of a path of a trailer (e.g., radius of a trailer trajectory) and a corresponding amount of rotation of the knob can vary (e.g., non-linearly) over each one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion P(L), P(R) of the knob 170. It is also disclosed therein that the ratio can be a function of vehicle speed, trailer geometry, vehicle geometry, hitch geometry and/or trailer load.

Use of the knob 170 decouples trailer steering inputs from being made at a steering wheel of the vehicle 100. In use, as a driver of the vehicle 100 backs the trailer 110, the driver can turn the knob 170 to dictate a path of travel for the trailer 110 to follow and returns the knob 170 to the at-rest position P(AR) for causing the trailer 110 to be backed along a straight line. Accordingly, in embodiments of trailer backup assist systems where the steering wheel remains physically coupled to the steerable wheels of a vehicle during backup of an attached trailer, a rotatable control element configured in accordance with the inventive subject matter (e.g., the knob 170) provides a simple and user-friendly means of allowing a driver of a vehicle to input trailer steering commands.

It is disclosed herein that a rotational control input device configured in accordance with embodiments of the inventive subject matter (e.g., the knob 170 and associated movement sensing device) can omit a means for being biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. Lack of such biasing allows a current rotational position of the rotational control input device to be maintained until the rotational control input device is manually moved to a different position. Preferably, but not necessarily, when such biasing is omitted, a means is provided for indicating that the rotational control input device is positioned in a zero curvature commanding position (e.g., at the same position as the at-rest position in embodiments where the rotational control input device is biased). Examples of means for indicating that the rotational control input device is positioned in the zero curvature commanding position include, but are not limited to, a detent that the rotational control input device engages when in the zero curvature commanding position, a visual marking indicating that the rotational control input device is in the zero curvature commanding position, an active vibratory signal indicating that the rotational control input device is in or approaching the zero curvature commanding position, an audible message indicating that the rotational control input device is in of approaching the zero curvature commanding position, and the like.

It is also disclosed herein that embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be configured with a control input device that is not rotational (i.e., a non-rotational control input device). Similar to a rotational control input device configured in accordance with embodiments of the inventive subject matter (e.g., the knob 170 and associated movement sensing device), such a non-rotational control input device is configured to selectively provide a signal causing a trailer to follow a path of travel segment that is substantially straight and to selectively provide a signal causing the trailer to follow a path of travel segment that is substantially curved. Examples of such a non-rotational control input device include, but are not limited to, a plurality of depressible buttons (e.g., curve left, curve right, and travel straight), a touch screen on which a driver traces or otherwise inputs path of travel commands, a button that is translatable along an axis for allowing a driver to input path of travel commands, and the like.

The trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 can be configured to provide various feedback information to a driver of the vehicle 100. Examples of situation that such feedback information can indicate include, but are not limited to, a status of the trailer backup assist system 105 (e.g., active, in standby (e.g., when driving forward to reduce the trailer angle), faulted, inactive, etc), that a curvature limit has been reached (i.e., maximum commanded curvature of a path of travel of the trailer 110), etc. To this end, the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 can be configured to provide a tactile feedback signal (e.g., a vibration through the knob 170) as a warning if any one of a variety of conditions occur. Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to, the trailer 110 having jack-knifed, the trailer backup assist system 105 has had a failure, the trailer backup assist system 105 or other system of the vehicle 100 has predicted a collision on the present path of travel of the trailer 110, the trailer backup system 105 has restricted a commanded curvature of a trailer's path of travel (e.g., due to excessive speed or acceleration of the vehicle 100), and the like. Still further, it is disclosed that the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 can use illumination (e.g., an LED 180) and/or an audible signal output (e.g., an audible output device 185) to provide certain feedback information (e.g., notification/warning of an unacceptable trailer backup condition).

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an example of using the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 for dictating a path of travel (POT) of a trailer (i.e., the trailer 110 shown in FIG. 1) while backing up the trailer with a vehicle (i.e., the vehicle 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2) is shown. In preparation of backing the trailer 110, the driver of the vehicle 100 drives the vehicle 100 forward along a pull-thru path (PTP) to position the vehicle 100 and trailer 110 at a first backup position B1. In the first backup position B1, the vehicle 100 and trailer 110 are longitudinally aligned with each other such that a longitudinal centerline axis L1 of the vehicle 100 is aligned with (e.g., parallel with or coincidental with) a longitudinal centerline axis L2 of the trailer 110. It is disclosed herein that such alignment of the longitudinal axes L1, L2 at the onset of an instance of trailer backup functionality is not a requirement for operability of a trailer backup assist system configured in accordance with the inventive subject matter.

After activating the trailer backup assist system 105 (e.g., before, after, or during the pull-thru sequence), the driver begins to back the trailer 110 by reversing the vehicle 100 from the first backup position B1. So long as the knob 170 of the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125 remains in the at-rest position P(AR), the trailer backup assist system 105 will steer the vehicle 100 as necessary for causing the trailer 110 to be backed along a substantially straight path of travel as defined by the longitudinal centerline axis L2 of the trailer 110 at the time when backing of the trailer 110 began. When the trailer reaches the second backup position B2, the driver rotates the knob 170 to command the trailer 110 to be steered to the right (i.e., a knob position R(R)). Accordingly, the trailer backup assist system 105 will steer the vehicle 100 for causing the trailer 110 to be steered to the right as a function of an amount of rotation of the knob 170 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR), a rate movement of the knob 170, and/or a direction of movement of the knob 170 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). Similarly, the trailer 110 can be commanded to steer to the left by rotating the knob 170 to the left. When the trailer reaches backup position B3, the driver allows the knob 170 to return to the at-rest position P(AR) thereby causing the trailer backup assist system 105 to steer the vehicle 100 as necessary for causing the trailer 110 to be backed along a substantially straight path of travel as defined by the longitudinal centerline axis L2 of the trailer 110 at the time when the knob 170 was returned to the at-rest position P(AR). Thereafter, the trailer backup assist system 105 steers the vehicle 100 as necessary for causing the trailer 110 to be backed along this substantially straight path to the fourth backup position B4. In this regard, arcuate portions of a path of travel POT of the trailer 110 are dictated by rotation of the knob 170 and straight portions of the path of travel POT are dictated by an orientation of the centerline longitudinal axis L2 of the trailer when the knob 170 is in/returned to the at-rest position P(AR).

FIG. 4 shows a method 200 for implementing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive subject matter. In a preferred embodiment, the method 200 for implementing trailer backup assist functionality can be carried out using the trailer backup assist architecture discussed above in reference to the vehicle 100 and trailer 110 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, trailer steering information is provided through use of a rotational control input device (e.g., the knob 170 discussed in reference to FIG. 2).

An operation 202 is performed for receiving a trailer backup assist request. Examples of receiving the trailer backup assist request include activating the trailer backup assist system and providing confirmation that the vehicle and trailer are ready to be backed. After receiving a trailer backup assist request (i.e., while the vehicle is being reversed), an operation 204 is performed for receiving a trailer backup information signal. Examples of information carried by the trailer backup information signal include, but is not limited to, information from the trailer backup steering input apparatus 125, information from the hitch angle detecting apparatus 130, information from the power-steering assist control module 135, information from the brake system control module 145, and information from the powertrain control module 150.

If the trailer backup information signal indicates that a change in curvature of the trailer's path of travel is requested (i.e., commanded via the knob 170), an operation 206 is performed for determining vehicle steering information for providing the requested change in curvature of the trailer's path of travel. Otherwise, an operation 208 is performed for determining vehicle steering information for maintaining a current straight-line heading of the trailer (i.e., as defined by the longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer). Thereafter, an operation 210 is performed for providing the vehicle steering information to a power-steering assist system of the vehicle, followed by an operation 212 being performed for determining the trailer backup assist status. If it is determined that trailer backup is complete, an operation 214 is performed for ending the current trailer backup assist instance. Otherwise the method 200 returns to the operation 204 for receiving railer backup information. Preferably, the operation for receiving the trailer backup information signal, determining the vehicle steering information, providing the vehicle steering information, and determining the trailer backup assist status are performed in a monitoring fashion (e.g., at a high rate of speed of a digital data processing device). Accordingly, unless it is determined that reversing of the vehicle for backing the trailer is completed (e.g., due to the vehicle having been successfully backed to a desired location during a trailer backup assist instance, the vehicle having to be pulled forward to begin another trailer backup assist instance, etc), the method 200 will continually be performing the operations for receiving the trailer backup information signal, determining the vehicle steering information, providing the vehicle steering information, and determining the trailer backup assist status.

In parallel with performing the operations for receiving the trailer backup information signal, determining the vehicle steering information, providing the vehicle steering information, and determining the trailer backup assist status, the method 200 performs an operation 216 for monitoring the trailer backup information for determining if an unacceptable trailer backup condition exists. Examples of such monitoring include, but are not limited to assessing a hitch angle to determine if a hitch angle threshold is exceeded, assessing a backup speed to determine if a backup speed threshold is exceeded, assessing vehicle steering angle to determining if a vehicle steering angle threshold is exceeded, and the like. If it is determined that an unacceptable trailer backup condition exists, an operation 218 is performed for causing the current path of travel of the trailer to be inhibited (e.g., stopping motion of the vehicle), followed by the operation 214 being performed for ending the current trailer backup assist instance. It is disclosed herein that prior to and/or in conjunction with causing the current trailer path to be inhibited, one or more actions (e.g., operations) can be implemented for providing the driver with feedback (e.g., a warning) that such an unacceptable trailer angle condition is impending or approaching. In one example, if such feedback results in the unacceptable trailer angle condition being remedied prior to achieving a critical condition, the method can continues with providing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with operations 204-212. Otherwise, the method can proceed to operation 214 for ending the current trailer backup assist instance. In conjunction with performing the operation 214 for ending the current trailer backup assist instance, an operation can be performed for controlling movement of the vehicle to correct or limit a jackknife condition (e.g., steering and/or decelerating the vehicle to preclude the hitch angle from being exceeded).

Referring now to instructions processible by a data processing device, it will be understood from the disclosures made herein that methods, processes and/or operations adapted for carrying out trailer backup assist functionality as disclosed herein are tangibly embodied by non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions thereon that are configured for carrying out such functionality. In one specific embodiment, the instructions are tangibly embodied for carrying out the method 200 disclosed and discussed above. The instructions may be accessible by one or more data processing devices from a memory apparatus (e.g. RAM, ROM, virtual memory, hard drive memory, etc), from an apparatus readable by a drive unit of a data processing system (e.g., a diskette, a compact disk, a tape cartridge, etc) or both. Accordingly, embodiments of computer readable medium in accordance with the inventive subject matter include a compact disk, a hard drive, RAM or other type of storage apparatus that has imaged thereon a computer program (i.e., instructions) configured for carrying out trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with the inventive subject matter.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the inventive subject matter. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving trailer angle information from a trailer angle detection apparatus of a vehicle having a trailer attached thereto, wherein the trailer angle information is generated as a function of an angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer; receiving trailer steering information from a trailer backup steering input apparatus of the vehicle, wherein the trailer backup steering input apparatus includes a rotational control input device biased at a zero curvature commanding position and moveable to positions within opposing rotational ranges of motion relative to the zero curvature commanding position and wherein the trailer steering information is derived from at least one of an amount of rotation of the rotational control input device with respect to the zero curvature commanding position, a rate movement of the rotational control input device, and a direction of movement of the rotational control input device with respect to the zero curvature commanding position; and controlling a power steering system of the vehicle using vehicle steering information as the trailer is being backed by the vehicle, wherein the vehicle steering information is generated as a function of the trailer angle information and the trailer steering information.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the power steering system includes: causing the power steering system to steer the vehicle such that a curvature of a path of travel of the trailer is altered as a function of an amount and direction of rotation of the rotational control input device relative to the zero curvature commanding position while the trailer is being backed up by the vehicle; and causing the power steering system to steer the vehicle such that the trailer is backed along a substantially straight line as defined by a centerline longitudinal axis of the trailer at a point in time when the rotational control input device is returned to the zero curvature commanding position from a position other than the zero curvature commanding position.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: outputting a trailer angular displacement limit condition signal in response to the trailer angle information designating at least one of an unacceptable trailer angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer is impending or an unacceptable trailer angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer exists.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein, in response to the trailer angular displacement limit condition signal being outputted, the trailer backup steering input apparatus provides at least one of a visual trailer angular displacement limit condition indicator, an audible trailer angular displacement limit condition indicator, and a tactile angular displacement limit condition indicator.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the vehicle steering information causes the trailer to travel along a commanded curvature of a path of travel when the rotational control input device is in a position other than the zero curvature commanding position.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein: a first one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion is substantially equal to a second one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion; and a change in curvature of the path of travel of the trailer varies as a function of the amount of rotation of the rotational control input device.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein controlling the power steering system includes: causing the power steering system to steer the vehicle such that a the curvature of the path of travel of the trailer is altered as a function of an amount and direction of rotation of the rotational input device relative to the zero curvature commanding position while the trailer is being backed up by the vehicle; and causing the power steering system to steer the vehicle such that the trailer is backed along a substantially straight line as defined by a centerline longitudinal axis of the trailer at a point in time when the rotational control input device is returned to the zero curvature commanding position from a position other than the zero curvature commanding position.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: outputting a trailer angular displacement limit condition signal in response to the trailer angle information designating at least one of an unacceptable angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer is impending or an unacceptable angular displacement between the vehicle and the trailer exists.
 9. A trailer backup steering input apparatus coupled to a vehicle, the trailer backup steering input apparatus, comprising: a rotatable control element positionable at a zero curvature commanding position and at positions within opposing rotational ranges of motion relative to the zero curvature commanding position; and a rotatable control element movement sensing device coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element, wherein the rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of at least one of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the zero curvature commanding position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the zero curvature commanding position.
 10. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 9, further comprising at least one of: a visual indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of an unacceptable trailer backup condition; an audible indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of the unacceptable trailer backup condition; and a tactile indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of the unacceptable trailer backup condition.
 11. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 9 wherein the rotatable control element movement sensing device signal outputted when the rotatable control element is in a position other than the zero curvature commanding position corresponds to a curvature of a path of travel of the trailer over which the trailer travels while being backed by the vehicle.
 12. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 11 wherein: a first one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion is substantially equal to a second one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion; and a change in curvature of the path of travel of the trailer varies as a function of the amount of rotation of the rotational control element.
 13. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 12 wherein: the rotatable control element is biased to the zero curvature commanding position; the zero curvature commanding position is between the opposing rotational ranges of motion; and a force biasing the rotatable control element toward the zero curvature commanding position increases as a function of the amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the zero curvature commanding position.
 14. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 9 wherein: the rotatable control element is biased to the zero curvature commanding position; the zero curvature commanding position is between the opposing rotational ranges of motion; and a force biasing the rotatable control element toward the zero curvature commanding position increases as a function of the amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the zero curvature commanding position.
 15. The trailer backup steering input apparatus of claim 9 wherein: the rotatable control element and the rotatable control element movement sensing device are integrated into a vehicle instrument panel.
 16. A vehicle, comprising: a trailer angle detection apparatus configured for outputting a signal generated as a function of an angle between the vehicle and a trailer attached to the vehicle; a trailer backup steering input apparatus including a knob and a knob movement sensing device coupled to the knob for sensing movement of the knob, wherein the knob is biased to zero curvature commanding position between opposing rotational ranges of motion and wherein the knob movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of at least one of an amount of rotation of the knob with respect to the zero curvature commanding position, a rate movement of the knob, and a direction of movement of the knob with respect to the zero curvature commanding position; and a power-steering assist system coupled to a trailer angle detection apparatus and the trailer backup steering input apparatus, wherein the power-steering assist system includes a control module structure configured for generating power steering system control information as a function of the trailer angle detection apparatus signal and the backup steering input apparatus signal.
 17. The vehicle of claim 16 wherein the trailer backup steering input apparatus further includes at least one of: a visual indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of an unacceptable trailer backup condition; an audible indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of the unacceptable trailer backup condition; and a tactile indicator being selectively activated to provide notification of the unacceptable trailer backup condition.
 18. The vehicle of claim 16 wherein the knob movement sensing device signal outputted when the knob is in a position other than the zero curvature commanding position corresponds to a curvature of a path of travel of the trailer over which the trailer travels while being backed by the vehicle.
 19. The vehicle of claim 18 wherein: a first one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion is substantially equal to a second one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion; and a change in curvature of the path of travel of the trailer varies as a function of the amount of rotation of the knob.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein a force biasing the knob toward the zero curvature commanding position increases as a function of the amount of rotation of the knob with respect to the zero-curvature commanding position.
 21. The vehicle of claim 16 wherein a force biasing the knob toward the zero-curvature commanding position increases as a function of the amount of rotation of the knob with respect to the zero curvature commanding position. 